Home Textile Products with Vetiveria Zizanioides& its Ayurvedic Properties

ABSTRACT

Vetiveria zizanioides, vetiver or khus-khusgrass, is an indistinctive grass, but for the roots which have a characteristicfragrance, making it one of the most popular aromatic species. The Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT) wasfirst developed for soil and water conservation in farmlands. This review paper dealswith a new creation on handicraft products that are made in vetiver which ischeap in cost wise. The product is multipurposeand Eco-friendly product.

INTRODUCTION

Vetiveris fibrous and its aromatic roots have been harvested for centuries and turnedinto perfumes, insect-repelling textiles, closet sachets, and even foodflavorings. Vetiver could grow in sand or clay, in the desert or submerged inwater.

Vetiver root paste or its extract isused as a diaphoretic, stimulant, and refrigerant, flatulence and obstinatevomiting. Vetiver oil is applied externally in rheumatism, lumbago, andsprains.  Vetiver oil is popular in Aromatherapy.

In textiles the mats made of vetiverroots, hung over windows and doors and they were wetted with water, tofacilitate cool and fragrant air into rooms, during summer.  

Once vetiver tillers are discovered dead, it is vital to replacethem at the earliest opportunity when the climatic and soil conditions allow,such as availability of water supply, rainfalls, or soil moisture.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF VETIVER

        Vetiver Grass for Agriculture and other uses.

        Vetiver as Medical and Aromatic plants.

        Roots for Medical Purposes.

        Aromatherapy and vetiver oil.

        Trapping crop residues and silts eroded by runoff.

        Roof thatching.

        Making ropes, mats, hats, baskets etc.

        Mulching, covering the ground of animal stables.Roots:

        Absorbing water and maintaining soil moisture.

        Absorbing toxic substances in chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

        As blinds, fans, handbags and in skin care products.

VETIVER ESSENTIAL OIL

Vetiver essential oil has an earthy aroma, some say similar to that of Patchouli with a touch of Lemon. It is a thick amber liquid with a scent that, also like Patchouli, improves with age. The essential oil is distilled from the roots of a tall densely tufted perennial grass. An important base-note perfume constituent, the oil provides a rich and tenacious characteristic that serves as a fixative for Oriental blends.

Vetiver is an ancient remedy within Ayurveda - the root and its essential oil are used to alleviate thirst, heatstroke, fevers and headache. The essential oil is applied as part of a liniment to relive inflammatory disorders of the joints and skin, and may be used for rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.

In terms of Oriental medicine, Vetiver essential oil is cool and moist in energy. It clears heat, nourishes, calms and uplifts. From a vitalistic viewpoint, the roots of any plant are innately nourishing, strengthening and grounding.

Vetiver oil is used in cosmetic products for its skin-regenerating powers, which make it helpful for counteracting aging of the skin and preventing stretch marks after pregnancy. It is an ingredient in liniments used for rheumatic pains and arthritis, and a compassionately soothing remedy for enthusiastic yogis who strain their muscles and joints with excessive asana practice.

Vetiver essential oil is said to provide stimulation to the endocrine glands (in cases of estrogen and progesterone insufficiency associated with premenstrual syndrome as well as menopause) then be suited to the type of individual who constantly strives for perfection, and circulatory system, and may generally support a weakened immune system. Vetiver Oil has been noted to have an effect on lowering rapid heart rate and breathing, helping return the cardio respiratory system to a calmer state.

COOLING PROPERTIES OF VETIVER

Vetiver (Khus) Perfume Oil, Ayurvedic medicine describes vetiver oil as cooling to pitta (anti-inflammatory), yet pacifying to vata (calming and comforting to the mind). A traditional method of using the root is to apply it as a paste, which reduces fevers and cools the body. Used in massage oils, its relaxing effects spread through the skin and muscles into the deeper levels of the nervous system, helping to counteract nervousness, stress, and exhaustion.

The relaxing fragrance of the roots stabilizes concentration and works as a rejuvenating tonic. Vetiver is considered to have mild estrogen-like effects that are balancing for woman hormones.

HEALTH BENEFITS

This Essential Oil is very popular in aromatherapy and has many medicinal properties, which are described in brief below.

        Anti Inflammatory: The very soothing and cooling effect of this essential oil calms and pacifies all sorts of inflammations. But it is particularly good in giving relief from inflammations in circulatory system and nervous system. It is found to be an appropriate treatment for inflammations caused by sun stroke, dehydration.

        Anti Septic: In tropical countries like India and its neighbors, microbes and bacteria grow very fast due to their favorable hot and humid climate found in this region. Then it becomes obvious that your wounds are most likely to get septic in these places since there are plenty of bacteria here.

        Tonic: The effect of a tonic on the body is quite similar to that of overhauling and servicing on a vehicle. A tonic tones up every system functioning in the body, namely the digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, excretory system, immune system, endocrinal system, nervous system and the neurotic system. Thus, in nutshell, it keeps the metabolic system in order, rejuvenates the body, gives strength and boosts immunity

        Other Benefits: It also benefits patients of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, muscular aches, dryness and cracking of skin etc.

HANDICRAFTS

Handicraft is source of income to many families. Local materials such as vetiver, aloes and coconut shells are utilized to manufacture handicraft products like hats, bags, doormats, dolls and toys, crochet, fancy jewellery and coral sculpture. Handicraft is source of income to many families. Local materials such as vetiver, aloes and coconut shells are utilized to manufacture handicraft products like hats, bags, doormats, dolls and toys, crochet, fancy jewellery and coral sculpture

CONCLUSION

VETIVER (KHUS) have good aroma from the roots which is to be use as a room perfume and for handicrafts. The root can be used for medicinal powder for the baby to make the skin fresh, strengthen bones and make the body warm. This paper represents properties of vetiver which can be made into home textile product commercially.

About the Authors:

Dr. G. Manonmani is an Associate professor at the PSG College of arts and science.

P.Karpagam is associated with the PSG College of arts and science